We recorded a video chat with Jon Bokenkamp (The Blacklist), co-creator, showrunner, executive producer, and writer of the Apple TV+ action thriller The Last Frontier. You can see it above. The series will premiere on October 10th.
The Last Frontier follows Alaska’s only federal marshal, Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke – read our interview with Starr here), whose world is forever changed when his prison transport plane crashes in the wilderness, leading him to unleash violent prisoners as part of a larger, more orchestrated plan. The ensemble includes Dominic Cooper, Haley Bennett, Simone Kessel, Dallas Goldtooth, Tate Blum, and Alfre Woodard.
Bokenkamp walked us through the show’s spark and thriller DNA. As he says, “Well, I think it started with an idea, or almost a visual, of a ConAir plane crashing in the middle of nowhere. But then where does it go?” The key, he said, is to start with a propulsive image and quickly move into new territory.
“My background is in network TV, where you’re writing an episode and it airs a few weeks later, and it’s like you’re not watching it with the audience, you’re seeing what works and what doesn’t. And this was a bit of a blank slate. This time it took longer. I had more time to work on the script. It took more time to produce.” Little tweaks like values and VFX. But yeah, I’m really excited to share it with the world. I can’t wait for people to see it. ”
Regarding tone and pacing, Bokenkamp emphasized the well-grounded momentum of the characters, saying, “I love frenetic, strong, ambitious plotlines.” But the fireworks are not empty noise, they are placed with a purpose. “I want to hit the checkerboard. If the action is just going in a straight line, it makes me feel nauseous and tired.”
Throughout the season, these set pieces serve as story beats. “We hope each of these action set pieces reflects the people we’re ultimately so invested in.”
The Last Frontier launches worldwide with two episodes on October 10th, with new episodes available weekly on Apple TV+ until December 5th.
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